Dear Son,

Today, I celebrate your first year of life on earth. One year ago today, I saw you enter this world with squinty eyes and tiny screams. You lay on a little table under bright lights, naked and cold. As I took your picture, I whispered in relief, "Alhamdulillah, he's so perfect." A few minutes later, when you were bundled up, I got to hold you for the first time. And as I whispered the Azan in your tiny ears, I think that a special bond happened that day. I know, much is said about the mother-baby bond, but I can tell you that there is a father-son bond that is unique and magical.

As I look back on this past year, I have some great memories. I remember how I used to swaddle you so snugly. I remember getting you to do pull-ups with my fingers during your very first week. I remember taking you up near the windows every morning, fearing you might catch jaundice. I remember our little exercise routine that we would do. It helped calm you down when you were having your gas pains the first few months. I remember never wanting to lay you down when you were sleeping; always wanting to hold you, and never wanting to give you to anyone else. I remember the first time I changed your diapers. I remember your first little smiles, and how we could get you to smile by clapping and saying, "Papapa!!!!". I remember how you seemed to like the cold air from the air conditioner and how easily you would sleep in a room equipped with one or in the car. I remember how great you always were about being passed from family relatives to friends - who love you so much. I remember watching Monster Inc. and Sesame Street, with you on my lap. It took a couple weeks, since you could only really watch about 10 minutes at a time. I remember that you were always as active as your little body would let you be. I will always remember how you would jump as long as we would hold you up, way before you were even ready to stand.

I remember, though I'd like to forget, how you cried when you accidentally felt and knocked the back of your head in the mini gym inflated-toy that I bought for you and how I wish I could take away the pain for you. I remember, how you jumped in your little walker until the joint cracked and broke and till now I couldn't find the part to replace it. Sorry, buddy. I remember the cakkk-aaa game we always played with you, using your napkin, and I remember how you loved to start the game by covering your own face. I'm convinced you have an advanced sense of humor. I remember that your way of laughing was to cough, and when I genuinely had to cough, you thought it was funny. I remember how my handphone motivated you to crawl and walk, and the beaming look on your face when you heard one of my ring tones. I remember that every time I went into the bathroom/store, which was the only room forbidden to you, I'd hear the little "smack smack" of your hands as you crawled furiously toward me. You would get to within two feet of me, stand up on your knees and throw yourself forward, knowing I would catch you, sweep you up and give you a brief tour of the so-called forbidden area. (Note : The so-called store was suppose to be your room actually but mum and dad had to squeeze all your belongings and those stuffs you used from the time you were a baby till now fearing that you might get hurt with the steel-cradle, bouncer, pram and stuffs. Don't worry, mum and dad will get you back your room one day for sure.)

I remember how fearlessly you dove off of the couch or off of the edge of the bed, knowing that your mom or I would catch you. I remember how cute you murmured while listening to the Azan Maghrib on RTM as mum and dad would turn it out loud everytime it comes on air. I also remember how much you love teasing and joking with mum. I remember your first word, "Kakaka," and how you called me that as well (you still do sometimes). I remember watching you take your first steps, and how proud I was as you got more and more brave about walking. I remember how fast you learned to say "Mamam mamam", and how you'd say it after each bite of food. I remember how you'd pick up a telephone, handphone or remote control (and even your little green piano toy), put it to your ear and say, "Hello!". And I remember, just this week, how you would throw yourself on one of our big pillows with a big grin on your face, waiting for us throw the other on you to make a "Junior Sandwich."

Above all, I remember a baby who became a boy. To my boy Danish, don't forget you're my best friend, and you will always be... and I love you very much. Happy 1st Birthday!

Love,
Dad

Posted by Wan Mohd Fahimi @ 3:44 PM